For the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the gymnastics governing
body (FIG) will adopt a second qualifying event in additional to
the current world championships to qualify gymnasts, FIG said in
Stuttgart on Monday.
The second qualification for Olympics is required by the
International Olympic Committee in order to provide a second
opportunity for athletes who, for reasons such as injury, were
unable to participate in the only qualifying competition -- the
world championships.
This second opportunity is one of the issues up for debate by
the FIG executives, who will deliver its conclusions to the
Council, the entity with the authority to approve changes to the
technical regulations.
The concept of an Olympic dream implies the manner in which an
athlete qualifies for the Games. For years, FIG criteria hinged on
participation in and qualification at the world championships the
year preceding the Games, as foreseen in the technical
regulations.
IOC participation conditions also prescribe that the Olympics
are open only to the best, with particular consideration given to
geographic location to allow for representation by all continents
as well as the host country.
For Beijing Olympic Games, the twelve best national teams of the
Stuttgart Gymnastics Championships (women and men) qualify.
Additional individual gymnasts (from national teams that are not
qualified) will be traveling to Beijing with a "wild card"
according to the separate FIG admission.
It's heart-stirring news for athlete like double world champion
Marian Dragulescu of Romania, who just was announced to stay away
from the world championships for back injury.
If Romania men's team failed to reach the top 12, he is possible
to be ruled out of the Beijing Olympic Games under the current
qualification system.
Of course the wild card method is also a good way for top
gymnasts like Dragulescu to have a chance in the Olympic Games.
The same process will be required for rhythmic and trampoline
gymnastics.
(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2007)
